Fire fighting and rescue apparatus



Feb. 16, 1965 P. F. CUMMINS FIRE FIGHTING AND RESCUE APPARATUS 5Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 27, 1962 INVENTOR PH/L 1 CUMM/NJ arl (Q. 613%ATTOEAJE'V Feb. 16, 1965 P. F. CUMMINS FIRE FIGHTING AND RESCUEAPPARATUS 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed July 27, 1962 AT OEMEY mud i ATTOQA/FYmm MM WW m C F N H P Ccw/ (E. B

Feb. 16, 1965 P. F. CUMMINS 3 FIRE FIGHTING AND RESCUE APPARATUS FiledJuly 27, 1962 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR PHIL F. CUMMIMJ Feb. 16, 1965 P.F. CUMMINS 3,169,581

FIRE FIGHTING AND RESCUE APPARATUS Filed July 27, 1962 5 Sheets-Sheet 5V w v 149 ENG/NE INVENTOR. PHIL F. CUMM/MS AT TOPUEY E-6mm ATTOIZHE'Y3,169,533 Patented Feb. 16, 1965 United States Patent Office=- Thepresent invention relates generally to fire fighting and rescueequipment and, more specifically, to an apparatus which is particularlyadapted for extinguishing aircraft fires and for effecting the rescue ofpersonnel therefrom.

Although high performance turbojet aircraft have been in operation forseveral years at commercial as well as military airports, the fire,crash and rescue equipment at such installations is basically the sameas that used when all aircraft were powered by conventional pistonengines. Such equipment has proven to be inadequate for present dayhazards encountered at many airports. This situation results from theuse of a kerosene-base fuel for turbojet engines, which burns with amuch hotter fiame than does the high octane fuel used in piston engines,and from the difference in construction between the two classes ofaircraft. The higher temperature makes it more difficult to approach thefire to a position from which the extinguishing agent can be appliedclfectively; and the stronger construction of jet aircraft enhances theproblem of gaining access to the passenger and crew cornpartrnents.

At the present time the fire, or crash truck, most commonly used atairports is a very large and heavy vehicle which is adapted to dischargemechanical foam. Water and a protein, or detergent, solution are storedin Separate tanks and are pumped together under high pressure throughaerating nozzles, which serve to expand the mixture into foam, and ontothe fire. There are several disadvantages inherent in the design of sucha truck, many of which result directly from the use of mechanical foam.With foam of this type it is necessary to employ a very large pump,which in turn, must be driven 'by a very large engine, in order toobtain an acceptable discharge range. Thus the truck chassis must bequite large in order to accommodate the pump, engine and tanks. Becauseof the excessive weight of the truck, it cannot effectively traversesoft surfaces, such as wet ground, etc. Another disadvantage of a truckof this type is that there is no provision for rescue of personnel whomay be traped in a burning aircraft. The mechanical foam itself hascertain inherent disadvantages. All foam materials function as fireextinguishing agents primarily by cutting off the supply of oxygen fromthe'fire. In aerating'the mixture to form the mechanical foam, bubblesare formed which are filled with air and hence contain oxygen. At acertain temperature, which is not uncommonly encountered inpetro-chemical fires, these bubbles burst, thereby releasing oxygen inthe immediate vicinity of the fire and-in many instances causingre-ignition, of'fiashback, thereof.

The fire fighting and crash apparatus of the present invention consistsof a composite train of vehicles including a prime mover, one or moreremotely-controlled, selfpropelled vehicles transportable by the primemover, and one or more trailers pulled by the prime mover. The primemover and trailers are provided with tanker tires in which the fireextinguishing agent is carried. In the preferred embodiment the agentemployed is chemical foam (usually the reaction product of an aqueousmixture of sodium bicarbonate plus a stabilizer and aluminum sulfate).In additon one of the trailers is provided with a tank and accessoryequipment for carrying and discharging a second fire extinguishingagent, which is preferably a dry chemical powder, such as sodiumbicarbonate or potassium bicarbonate. The remotely controlled vehiclesare provided with nozzles through which the agents may be'discharged.There is also provided a rescue boom by means of which personnel may berescued from a fire without substantial danger to fire fightingpersonnel.

The design of the subject invention offers numerous advantages overprior fire trucks. By using tanker tires to store the fire extinguishingagent, the size and weight of the truck may be materially reduced. Sincea large portion of the combined weight of the truck and fireextinguishing agent is carried in the tires, the center of gravitythereof is lowered considerably, thereby increasing the stability of thetruck. The inflation pressure of the tanker tires is much lower thanthat of conventional tires; hence it is unnecessary to employ springsand shock absorbers on the vehicles. Another distinct advantage lies inthe mobility of the present invention. As a result of the weightreduction, in combination with the greatly increased tread contact areaof the tanker tires, the present fire fighting apparatus may be drivenor towed across extremely soft terrain.

The use of a trailer with tanker tires greatly increases the quantity offire extinguishing agent which may be transported to and discharged upona fire. The inclusion of an appropriate second fire extinguishing agentmakes the present fire fighting apparatus effective against all types offires. Another important advantage is that through the use of theremotely controlled vehicles, it is possible to approach the fire moreclosely, thereby permitting more elfective dispersion of the fireextinguishing agent or agents, and the number of personnel'requi'red tooperate the equipment is reduced by approximately fifty percent ascompared with that of conventional design. a

The use of chemical, rather than mechanical foam, results in furtheradvantages. When the two components of chemical foam are broughttogether, a chemical reaction occurs and carbon dioxide gas is released.The formation of such gas generates sufiicient pressureto discharge thefoam through the nozzles and disperse it over a range greater than thatof the prior mechanical foam equipment. Thus the need for large pumpsand engines iseliminated. Moreover, the chemical foam is composed ofbubbles which are filled with-carbon dioxide, an inert gas,

rather than air. Thus if the bubbles of the chemical foam are broken bythe heat ofthe fire, carbon dioxide is released, thereby serving toinert the atmosphere surrounding the fire. The expansion ratio ofchemical foam is approximately ten-to-one, as compared with eight-to-onefor mechanical foam; thus a greater volume of foam is generated pergallon of liquid carried by the truck. Chemical foam is also moreadhesive than mechanical foam, and will therefore better adhere to andremain on vertical and overhead surfaces for a longer period of time.

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide animproved apparatus for fighting fires.

Another object is the provision of a fire fighting apparatus which willpermit a closer approach to a fire and thereby more effectiveapplication of the fire extinguishing agent. V I

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved apparatus forfighting fires which is effective against all classes of fires.

Another object resides in the provision of an improved fire fightingapparatus having an increased capacity for carrying 'afire extinguishingagent.

Another object is to provide a more mobile fire fighting apparatus.

Another object is the provision of an improved fire fighting apparatuswhich is equipped with an effective means for rescuing personnel from afire.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention will be moreapparent upon consideration of the following description of the appendeddrawings wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is a perspective View of the invention showing the manner inwhich the remotely controlled vehicles may be employed in extinguishingan aircraft fire and the use of the rescue boom in removing personneltherefrom;

FIGURE 3 is a sectional elevational view through one of the tankertires;

FIGURE 4 is a diagrammatic representation of the fire extinguishingagent system carried by the prime mover;

FIGURE 5 is a diagrammatic representation of the construction of theremotely controlled vehicles;

FIGURE 6 is a diagrammatic representation of the fire extinguishingagent system carried by a first trailer configuration;

FIGURE 7 is a diagrammatic representation of the fire extinguishingagent system carried by a second trailer configuration.

Referring now to FIGURE 1 of the drawings, the preferred embodiment ofthe present fire fighting and rescue apparatus includes a prime mover10, a pair of remotely controlled vehicles 11, a first trailer 12 and asecond trailer 13. The prime mover may be of any suitable constructionand consists of the conventional chassis, body, engine, drive shaft,differential, axles, etc., all of which are supported upon tanker tires19. Such tanker tires are preferably provided with a cleat-type treadfor increased traction on soft terrain. As mentioned above the chemicalfoam ingredients are carried in the tanker tires 19 and are drawntherefrom through flexible conduits 20 connected to the outer ends ofthe axles, as will be more fully explained below. At the forward end ofthe prime mover 10 there is provided a cab 21 in which the driver and anassistant ride. Such cab 21 is preferably made in two spaced portions21a and 21b in order that a heavily thermally insulated rescue enclosure22 may be disposed therebetween when not in use. A rescue enclosure 22is attached to one end of an extensible boom 23, the opposite end ofwhich is anchored to the prime mover 10, as indicated at 24. The boom 23may be of any suitable construction but is here shown as comprisingupper and lower arms 27, 28 respectively, upper arm 27 being controlledby hydraulic actuator 25and lowerarm 28 by hydraulic actuator 26. Theboom is controlled by an operator who rides in the rescue enclosure 22.Such rescue enclosure 22 is also provided with a foam nozzle 29 and adry powder nozzle 30 through which the 'respective agents may bedischarged. In the bottom of the rescue enclosure 22 is a trap door (notshown) through which personnel may enter during rescue operations.

The remotely controlled vehicles. 11 are carried on a rack or lift 31,at the front of the prime mover 10, which may be lowered and raised bymeans'of hydraulic actuators 32. Each of such vehicles 11 is providedwith a foam discharge nozzle 34 and a dry powder discharge nozzle 35which are connected with the respective fire extinguishing agent systemsof the prime mover 10 by means of flexible conduits 36, 37,respectively. Such nozzles 34, 35 are fixedly interconnected in anover-and-under configuration and their mutual azimuthal and elevationaldirections are controlled by means of electric, motors in a manner to beexplained below. The remotely controlled vehicles are supported upon andpropelled by endless belt-type tracks 39 which are driven by electricmotors. Both the nozzle motors and the track motors of each vehicle 11are connected to a control panel located in each portion of the cab 21.

The first trailer 12 is connected to the prime mover by means of aconventional trailer hitch (not shown) aflixed on the end of a tongue 41which is rigidly connected to the front axle 42 of the trailer. As inthe case of the prime mover 10 the first trailer is supported upontanker tires 43 wherein is carried an additional supply of the chemicalfoam ingredients which is withdrawn therefrom through flexible conduits45. This supply of foam ingredients is connected with the foam system ofthe prime mover 10 by means of flexible conduits 46. Trailer 12 alsocarries a chemical dry powder dispensing system which includes aspherical tank, the upper portion of which is shown at 47, wherein aquantity of the substance is stored. Such tank 47 is connected with theprime mover dry powder system through a flexible conduit 49. It isdesirable that the dry powder tank 47 also be connected with hand lines50 which are normally wound upon reels 51 carried by trailer 12.

The second trailer 13 is towed behind the first trailer 12 and is of thesame general construction, with the exception that the second trailer 13does not include a dry powder system. As before, the foam ingredientsare carried in tanker tires 51 and are withdrawn therefrom throughflexible conduits 52. The foam system of the second trailer 13 isconnected to the foam system of the first trailer 12 by means offlexible conduits 53. The second trailer 13 is also provided with handlines 55 which are wound upon reels 56.

In the event of an aircraft crash, the prime mover 10 is driven to thecrash scene by the most direct route, which may be across unpaved, muddyground, with the remotely controlled vehicles 11 carried upon the lift26 in the raised position, and the trailers 12 and 13 in tow. When theprime mover 10 reaches the vicinity of the fire, it is stopped and thelift 26 lowered to allow the vehicles 11 to be driven off the lift 26and onto the ground or runway. The vehicles 11 then move, under theirown power, toward the fire. The operation of the foam and chemical drypowder systems of the vehicles 11 and rescue enclosure 22 may beinitiated at any time so long as the fire is within range. The rescueenclosure 22 is then raised and moved toward the fire through activationof boom 23. In order to eflect'the rescue of personnel as rapidly aspossible, the foam and dry powder are firstdirected upon those areas ofthe aircraft in which such personnel are trapped. The rescue enclosureis then maneuvered into position to pick them up, as is shown in FIGURE2. The remotely controlled vehicles 11 are moved to positions from whichthey can best support rescue operations. Since the escape hatches anddoors are frequently jammed closed in a crash, it is desirable that therescue enclosure 22 be provided with a circular saw 57, mounted adjacentits forward lower edge, whereby an opening may be cut in the aircraft toallow the personnel to exit therefrom. The saw 57 is preferably pivotedso that it may cut such an opening in the top of the aircraft, as shown,or in the side thereof. In order to protect the personnel while they areentering the enclosure'22, a fire curtain 59 of heat resistant material,such as asbestos, is attached about the lower edge thereof. When not inuse the curtain may be rolled up and retained against the lower surfaceof enclosure 22 by means of a suitable release mechanism (not shown).Various other accessory equipment may be utilized in conjunction withthe enclosure 22 and boom 23 to facilitate rescue. For example, a ladder(not shown) is provided by means of which persons may climb into theenclosure 22. It is also desirable to provide a power winch for hoistinginjured persons into such enclosure.

As shown in FIGURE 3 the tanker mover 10 (as well as tanker tires 12 and13, respectively) are mounted on a stationary, hollow axle 61. The beadsof the tire 19 are sealed between outcr and inner plates 62 and 63,respectively, by means of a plurality of outstanding studs 65, suitablyrigidly aflixed to the inner plates 63, and an equivalent number of nuts66 threadably engaging such studs 65. Roller bearings 67, disposedwithin inwardly extending portions 69 of outer plates 62, provide forrelatively friction-free rotation of the 19 with respect to axle 61.

tires 19 on prime 43 and 51 on trailers extension hose 71 which extendsto within approximately two inches of the interior surface of the tire19. Such hose 71 is made of rubber or other resilient material so thatshould the tire be deformed sufficiently to strike same, as might occuron rocky terrain, the hose will merely bend and no damage will occur. Atits outer end the axle 61 is connected with the upwardly extendingflexible conduit 20, by means of a right angle coupling '72, thence tothe rest of the prime niovers foam system, as will be described below.In order to prevent the tire 19 from becoming deflated as the liquid iswithdrawn therefrom, the interior thereof is connected to a source ofgas pressurethrough a horizontal tube 73 within the hollow of the axle61, the inner end of which is connected with an upright portion 75 whichextends through the wall of the axle into the tire interior. At itsouter end the horizontal tube 73 extends through the right anglecoupling 72 and communicates with another upright portion 76 which, aswill be seen, is connected to the gas pressure source. Although only theconstruction of the tanker tires 19 on prime mover it? and theassociated conduits have been described and shown, it is to beunderstood that tanker tires 43 and 51 on trailers 12 and 13,respectively, are of a similar construction and are provided withsimilar conduit connections, etc.

The foam generating system and the dry powder conduits carried by theprime mover are shown schematically in FIGURE 4. In the preferred formof the invention the two ingredients of the chemical foam are carried intanker tires on opposite sides of the prime mover. The conduits 20,which are connected with the hollow axle 61 of the tanker tires 19, areconnected to manifolds 89 which, in turn, are connected to pumps 81through conduits 82. Such pumps are preferably driven off the primemover engine (not shown); however, a separate engine may be provided forthis purpose, if desired. From the pumps 31 the foam ingredients passthrough conduits 83 into a spherical expansion chamber 85 in which suchingredients are mixed and interact chemically to form foam. Since thevolume of the foam after expansion is approximately ten times that ofthe liquid ingredients, there is thus generated a high pressure withinthe expansion chamber 85 which forces the foam out through foam conduit86. In order to prevent backflow of the foam and foam ingredients as aresult of such pressure, check valves 87 are placed in conduits 83. Atits forward end the foam conduit 85 bifurcates and the resultingbranches 8% are connected with flexible conduits as which are wound uponreels 9%) and carry the foam to the remotely controlled vehicles 11, asexplained above. Valves 91 are positioned in branches 89 to control theflow of foam therethrough. The ends of conduits 36 are fitted withcoupling devices 92 by means of which they may be connected with thevehicles 11. At some convenient location on foam line 86 a conduit 93 isconnected thereto and serves to carry foam to discharge nozzle 29mounted on rescue enclosure 22. A valve 94, operated from suchenclosure, is disposed in conduit 93 whereby the flow of foamtherethrough may be controlled. The foam system of the prime mover isconnected to the trailer 12 by means of conduits 46 which are providedwith coupling devices 95 and communicate with conduits 82 which carrythe foam ingredients to the pumps 81. The conduits 4a and 82 areprovided with shut-off valves 96 and 97, respectively, for controllingthe flow of the foam ingredients therethroughr It will be noted that theconduits 46 join conduits 82 between the valves 97 and the pumps 81.Thus it may be seen that the pumps withdraw foam ingredients from eitherthe tanker tires 19 of the prime mover, or those of trailer 12, or fromboth sets of tires simultaneously.

During the operation of thefoam system of the prime mover ll inflationof the tanker tires'19 is maintained by means of a suitable source ofgas pressure, such as cylinders 192 of compressed nitrogen. Suchcylinders 102 are connected with tanker tires 19 through conduits 103,manifolds 194 and conduits 76. A constant pressure outlet valve 1% ispositioned in each of the conduits 193 and serves to. reduce thepressure from each of the cylinders to that required to maintainproper'tanker tire inflation.

The prime mover it is supplied with dry chemical powder from trailer'12and is connected thereto by means of conduit 4? which is provided with asuitable coupling device 93 at its aft end. Such conduit 49 bifurcatesat its forward end, the resulting branches 99 being connected to the drypowder conduits 37 which are provided with coupling devices res forconnection with remotely controlled vehicles 11. The conduits 37 arewound upon the same reels 99 as are the foam lines 36. Valves H31 areplaced in branches 99 for controlling the flow of dry powdertherethrough. A conduit 77, havinga flow control valve 73 therein, joinsthe conduit '49 to nozzle 3% on rescue enclosure 22.

The construction of the remotely controlled vehicles 11 is shown indiagrammatic form in FIGURE 5. The foam and dry powder nozzles 34.- and35 are provided with coupling devices 166 and 197, respectively, whichmate with coupling devices 92 and 1% on the ends of foam and dry powderconduits 36 and 37, respectively, of prime mover 10. The nozzles 34, 35are mounted upon a horizontally disposed shaft 108 pivotally supportedbetween a pair of upright members 169 attached to a circular platform11%). Adjacent one of the upright members a first spur gear 111 isrigidly afiixed to the shaft 1&8. Such gear 111 is engaged by a smaller,second spur gear 112 connected to the shaft of a reversible electricmotor 113 mounted upon the circular plate 116. Such electric motor isdriven off a bank of batteries 114 and serves to control the elevationaldirection of the nozzles. The circular platform is pivoted at its centerand provided with teeth 115 about its outer edge which are engageable bya worm gear 116 afiixed upon the shaft of another reversible electricmotor 118 mounted upon the chassis 117 of the vehicle 11. 118 islikewise driven off batteries 114 and serves to control the azimuthaldirection of the nozzles 34, 35. The tracks 39 of the vehicle arepowered by reversible, variable speed, electric motors 120 which'arealso driven off batteries 114. The electric motors 113, 113 and 12%! areindividually connected to the batteries 114 by suitable electricconduits (not shown) and to the prime mover by means of a coaxial cable121, containing such conduits, which is wound upon a reel 122 mounted atthe rear of vehicle 11. Onto the end of coaxial cable 121 is afiixed asuitable plug 123 adapted to engage a receptacle 125 (FTGURE 4) which isattached to a control panel 126 located in one section of the primemover cab by means of which the movement of one of the vehicles 11 andthe direction of its nozzles 34, 35 may be controlled. A similar panelis located in the other cab section and controls the other vehicle 11.

The primary function of the trailer 12 is to provide a source of drychemical powder. In addition it serves as a means of carryinga secondsupply of foam ingredients. The dry powder is carried in a relativelylarge spherical tank 47 (FIGURE 6). The pressure for discharging suchpowder is preferably provided by a plurality of compressed nitrogencylinders 127, each of which is connected to a manifold 129 which, inturn, is connected to the tank 47 through conduit 139. A constantpressure outlet valve 131 isplaced in conduit 136 and-serves to reducethe pressure from cylinders 127 to the desired operating pressure of thedry powder system. The output from tank 47 fiows forward through a mainconduit 132 to the end of which is affixed a coupling device 133 adaptedto mate The electric motor O with coupling device 98 (FIGURE 4) onconduit 49 carried by prime mover 10. The hand lines 51 are connected tothe main conduit 132 by branch conduits 135. Valves 136 and 137 aredisposed in main conduit 132 and branch conduits 135, respectively, andprovide a means of controlling the flow therethrough. The tanker tires.3 on trailer 12 are similar to those on prime mover described above andare provided with the same conduit components for withdrawing the liquidfoam ingredients therefrom. The conduits 138, which are connected tomanifolds 139, extend forward, terminating in coupling devices 140adapted to mate with coupling devices 95 on conduits 46 of prime mover10, thereby connecting the tanker tires 43 of trailer 12 with the foamsystem of the prime mover. Between the coupling devices 140' and controlvalves 141 in conduits 138, such conduits are joined by conduits 53which communicate with the foam system of trailer 13. T o the ends ofsuch conduits 53 are affixed coupling devices 142 for connecting same totrailer 13. The flow through conduits 53 is controlled by valves 143.Inflation of tanker tires 43 of trailer 12 is maintained in the samemanner as described above.

The foam system carried by the trailer 13, as shown in FIGURE 7, isbasically the same as that of the prime mover. The foam ingredients arewithdrawn from tanker tires 51 by pumps 145 driven by an engine 146,through a power divider or differential 147 mounted upon the chassis ofthe trailer 13. From the pumps 145 the foam ingredients may be directedeither through conduits 148, 149 and into an expansion chamber 150 orconduits 148 through bypass conduits 151, which serve to shunt the foamingredients around the expansion chamber 150. Such bypass conduits 151terminate in couplings 152 which mate with couplings142 on the aft endsof conduits 53 (FIGURE 6), thereby connecting the foam system of trailer13 with those of trailer 12 and prime mover" 10. The path followed bythe foam is controlled by valves 153 and 154 placed in conduits 149 and151, respectively. The expansion chamber is connected to hand lines 55through a main foam conduit 155 and branch conduits 156. It is alsodesirable that provision be made whereby an additional supply of foamingredients may be utilized. This is easily accomplished by connectingconduits 157 to the foam system of the trailer 13 on the intake side ofthe pumps 145. Such conduits are provided with terminal couplings 159and control valves 16%.

From the foregoing description it will be apparent that the vehicles(prime mover 10, trailers 12 and 13) employed in the present firefighting apparatus may be operated in various combinations. Moreover,each of such vehicles may be utilized independently of'the other two,inasmuch as each carries the necessary equipment to discharge one typeof fire extinguishing agent. Such an arrangement offers a flexibilityheretofore unknown in fire fighting equipment. For example, if a smallfire should occur in an area in which it would be difiicult to maneuverthe complete fire fighting apparatus, one or both the trailers 12 and 13may be towed to the scene of the fire by a tractor, jeep, pickup, oreven an ordinary passenger vehicle, and the hand lines of the trailersemployed in extinguishing the fire. However, particularly whenconsidered in combination, the present invention offers numerousadvantages over prior fire fighting apparatus in the quantity of fireextinguishing agent which may be transported to and discharged upon afire, in its ability to approach the fire more closely and to extinguishall types of fires.

Although only the preferred embodiment of the present invention has beenshown and described herein, it is not to be construed that the inventionis limited thereto as numerous modifications will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art; and the invention is to be given the broadestpossible interpretation within the scope of the following claims.

What I claim is:

1. Fire fighting apparatus comprising, in combination:

a prime mover provided with tanker tires for carrying a supply of a fireextinguishing agent;

at least one trailer provided with tanker tires for carrying anadditional supply of said fire extinguishing agent;

at least one self-propelled, remotely controlled vehicle transportableto the scene of a fire by means integral with said prime mover, saidvehicle having a remotely controlled nozzle directably mounted thereon;V

conduit means connecting said tanker tires to said nozzle; and 7 pumpmeans disposed in said conduit means whereby said fire extinguishingagent may be discharged through said nozzle and onto said fire.

2. Fire fighting apparatus comprising, in combination:

a prime mover carrying a first supply of a first fire extinguishingagent;

a trailer operatively connected to said prime mover and carrying asecond supply of said first fire extinguishing agent;

said trailer carrying in addition a supply of a second fireextinguishing agent;

a self-propelled, remotely controlled vehicle, transportable on saidprime mover, on which are directably mounted first and second nozzles;

first conduit means connecting said first and second supplies of saidfirst fire extinguishing agent with said first nozzle;

pump means disposed in said first conduit means for discharging saidfirst fire extinguishing agent through said first nozzle;

second conduit means connecting said supply of said second fireextinguishing agent with said second nozzle; and

pressure means for effecting discharge of said second fire extinguishingagent through said second nozzle.

3. Fire fighting apparatus comprising in combination:

a prime mover carrying a supply of a first fire extinguishing agent;

first and second trailers carrying additional supplies of said firstfire extinguishing agent;

one of said trailers also carrying a supply of a second fireextinguishing agent;

a self-propelled, remotely controlled vehicle on which are directablymounted first and second nozzles; first conduit means connecting saidsupplies of said first fire extinguishing agent with said first nozzle;

pump means disposed in said first conduit means for discharging saidfirst fire extinguishing agent through said first nozzle;

second conduit means connecting said supply of said second fireextinguishing agent with said second nozzle; and

pressure means connected to said supply of said second fireextinguishing agent for effecting discharge of same through said secondnozzle.

4. Fire fighting and rescue apparatus comprising in .60 combination:

a prime mover provided with tanker tires for carrying a supply of afirst fire extinguishing agent;

first and second trailers also provided with tanker tires for carryingan additional supply of said first fire extinguishing agent; aself-propelled, remotely controlled vehicle heaving directably mountedthereon first and second nozzles;

means for pumping said first fire extinguishing agent from said tankertires of said prime moved and said trailers and discharging same throughsaid first nozzle directably mounted on said self-propelled, remotelycontrolled vehicle;

said first trailer also being provided with a container for carrying asupply of a second fire extinguishing agent; a

means for effecting discharge of said second fire extinguishing agentthrough said second nozzle directably mounted upon said remotelycontrolled vehicle; and

an extensible boom mounted upon said prime mover and having an enclosureattached to the end thereof, whereby rescue operations may be carriedout.

5. Fire fighting and rescue apparatus comprising in combination:

a prime mover carrying a first supply of a first fire extinguishingagent;

a trailer carrying a second supply of said first fire extinguishingagent;

said trailer also carrying a supply of a second fire ex tinguishingagent;

aself-propelled, remotely controlled vehicle on which are directablymounted first and second nozzles;

first conduit means connecting said first and second supplies of saidfirst fire extinguishing agent with said first nozzle;

pump means disposed in said first conduit means for discharging saidfirst fire extinguishing agent through said first nozzle;

second conduit means connecting said supply of said second fireextinguishing agent and said second nozzle; 7

pressure means for efiecting discharge of said second fire extinguishingagent through said second nozzle; and

an extensible boom mounted upon said prime mover and having an enclosureattached to the end thereof, said boom operative to eifect rescueoperations.

6. Fire fighting and rescue apparatus comprising in combination a primemover provided with tanker tires for carrying the ingredients of achemical foam fire extinguishing agent; said prime mover having avertically moveable lift platform on one end thereof;

a trailer also provided with tanker tires for carrying an additionalsupply of said chemical foam ingredicuts;

a pair of self-propelled, remotely controlled vehicles transportable onsaid lift of said prime mover, each of said vehicles having a nozzledirectably mounted w thereon;

conduit means connecting said tanker tires of said prime mover and saidtrailer with a chamber wherein said ingredients are mixed and expand toform foam;

V 0 n r means for pumping said ingredients from said tanker tires tosaid chamber;

conduit means connecting said chamber to said nozzl operative todischarge said chemical foam therethrough; and

an extensible boom mounted upon said prime mover and having an enclosureattached thereto Where by rescue operations may be carried out. 7. Firefighting andrescue apparatus comprising in combination:

transportable on said lift at the front of said prime 7 mover, each ofsaid vehicles having a nozzle directably mounted thereon;

conduit means connecting said tanker tires of said prime mover and saidtrailer with a chamber wherein said ingredients are mixed and expand toform chemical foam;

means for pumping said ingredients from said tanker tires to saidchamber;

pressurizing means connected to said tanker tires for maintaining therequired inflation pressure therein; conduit means connecting saidchamber to said nozzles whereby said chemical foam may be dischargedthe'rethrough; and an extensible boom mounted on said prime mover andhaving an enclosure attached to the end thereof to carry out rescueoperations. 8. Fire fighting apparatus comprising, in combination: (A) afirst self-propelled vehicle constituting a prime mover and comprising:

(1) a chassis,

(2) a first extinguisher system having cooperatively associatedintegrated agent storage means, agent feeding means, and agent dischargemeans,

(3) a second extinguisher system having cooperatively integrated agentfeeding means and agent discharge means,

(4) a vertically moveable lift platform on said first vehicle chassisoperative to effect transportation of an associated remotely controlledselfpowered vehicle;

(3) a first trailer means comprising:

(1) a chassis, (2) a first extinguisher system having (a) agent storagemeans, (b) an agent feeding means, and (0) means for transferring theagent to said first vehicle first extinguisher system agent feedingmeans;

(3) a second extinguisher system having (a) agent storage means,

([2) agent feeding means,

(c) a selectively operable agent discharge means, and

(d) means for selectively transferring the agent to said first vehiclesecond extinguisher system agent feeding means;

(C) a second trailer means comprising:

(1) a chassis, (2) a first extinguisher system having (a) agent storagemeans,

([2) agent feeding means,

(c) pressurizing means,

(d) selectively operable means, and

(e) means for selectively conducting the agent to said first trailerfirst extinguisher system agent feeding means, (D) a remote controlledtracked vehicle transportable on said first vehicle lift platformcomprising:

(1) fire extinguisher agent discharge means operatively: connected tosaid first vehicle first and second extinguisher systems,

(2) integral motive means for effecting said tracked vehicle mobilityand agent discharge means operation. 9. Fire fighting apparatuscomprising, in combination: '(A) a first self-propelled vehicleconstituting a prime mover and comprising:

(1) a chassis,

(2) a first extinguisher system having cooperatively associated agentstorage, feeding and discharge means,

(3) a second extinguisher system having cooperatively associated agentstorage, feeding and discharge means,

(4) a universally moveable rescue boom having agent system dischargemeans thereon selectively operatively connected to said first vehiclefirst and second extinguisher systems,

(5) a vertically moveable lift integrally operatively associated withsaid first vehicle for transportation and storage of a remote controlvehicle;

agent dischar e (B) a first trailer means comprising:

(1) a chassis,

(2) a first extinguisher system having cooperatively associated agentstorage, feeding and transferring means, said last named means operativeto transfer the agent to said first vehicle first extinguisher systemagent feeding means,

(3) a second extinguisher system having cooperatively integrated agentstorage and feeding means and selectably operable agent discharge means,and means for selectively transferring the agent to said first vehiclesecond extinguisher system agent feeding means;

(C) a second trailer means comprising:

(1) a chassis,

(2) a first extinguisher system having agent storage, feeding,pressurizing and discharge means, and means for selectively transferringthe agent to said first trailer first extinguisher system feeding means;and

(D) a remotely controlled vehicle transportable on said first vehiclelift,

(1) said vehicle including first and second extinguisher transfer andfeeding means for cooperation selectively With said first vehicle, andfirst and second extinguisher agent discharge means,

(2) said vehicle having self-contained motive means for etfectingvehicle mobility and control of said agent discharge means.

10. Fire fighting aparatus comprising, in combination: (A) a firstself-propelled vehicle constituting a prime mover and comprising:

(1) a chassis,

(2) a first extinguisher system having cooperatively associated agentstorage, feeding and discharge means,

(3) a second extinguisher system having cooperatively associated agentstorage, feeding and discharge means;

(B) a first trailer means comprising:

( 1) a chassis,

(2) a first extinguisher system having cooperatively assoicated agentstorage, feeding and transfer means, said last named means operative totransfer the agent to said first vehicle first extinguisher system agentfeeding means,

(3) a second extinguisher system having cooperative integrated agentstorage and feeding means, selectably operable agent discharge means,and means-for selectively transferring the agent to said first vehiclesecond extinguisher system agent feeding means;

(C) a second trailer means comprising:

(1)'a chassis,

(2) a first extinguisher system having agent storage, feeding,pressurizing and discharge means, and means for selectively transferringthe agent to said first trailer first extinguisher system feeding means;

(D) each said first extinguisher agent storage means comprising:

(1) tanker tires having an integral storage capac- 12 ity defined bytire walls surrounding a stationary hollow axle, said walls sealed onsaid axle at the open side thereof by inner and outer plates extendedoutwardly therefrom,

5 (2) a hollow flexible tube extended through the wall of said axle andpositioned with an open end in communication with the interior of saidtire for withdrawing the extinguisher agent, the other end of said tubecommunicating with the interior of said axle,

(3) said axle communicating with said agent feeding means and forming apart thereof; (E) each said second extinguisher system including (1) aselectively pressurizable chemical dry powder storage cylinder as saidstorage means,

(2) a conduit as said agent feeding means, and

(3) said agent discharge meansin communication with saidconduit.

11. Fire fighting apparatus comprising in combination:

a prime mover provided with tanker tires for carrying a supply of a fireextinguishing agent; a self-propelled, remotely controlled vehiclehaving an agent discharging nozzle thereon;

means operatively associated with said prime mover for transporting saidself-propelled, remotely controlled vehicle to the scene of a fire;

said vehicle being provided with a pair of endless belt tracks driven byelectric motors for propelling said vehicle;

a pair of electric motors for controlling the azimuthal and elevationaldirections of said nozzle;

conduit means connecting said tanker tires with said nozzle; and

1 pump means disposed in said conduit means for efiecting discharge of afire extinguishing agent through said nozzle and onto said fire.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 636,122 10/99Eades et al.

1,023,141 4/12 Eisenbise 169 -24 1,421,496 7/22 Klewanech 169242,246,616 6/41 Cherry 16924 2,319,486 5/43 Austin 18077 X 2,325,355 7/43Yost 16924 2,352,379 6/44 Geertz 16924 2,505,055 4/50 McNair 16924 50,2,548,190 4/51 Arpin 239-447 X 2,598,390 5/52 Johnson 18077 2,729,2951/56 Edwards 16925 2,799,352 7/57 Boerner et al. 169--14 2,936,835 5/60Sheppard 169--14 3,010,533 11/61 Ross 169-25X FOREIGN PATENTS 254,1957/26 Great Britain. 775,307 5/57 GreatBritain.

EVERETT W. KIRBY, Primary Examiner.

EUGENE F. BLANCHARD, LOUIS I. DEMBO,

Examiners.

1. FIRE FIGHTING APPARATUS COMPRISING, IN COMBINATION: A PRIME MOVERPROVIDED WITH TANKER TIRES FOR CARRYING A SUPPLY OF A FIRE EXTENGUISHINGAGENT; AT LEAST ONE TRAILER PROVIDED WITH TANKER TIRES FOR CARRYING ANADDITIONAL SUPPLY OF SAID FIRE EXTINGUISHING AGENT; AT LEAST ONESELF-PROPELLED, REMOTELY CONTROLLED VEHICLE TRANSPORTABLE TO THE SCENEOF A FIRE BY MEANS INTEGRAL WITH SAID PRIME MOVER, SAID VEHICLE HAVING AREMOTELY CONTROLLED NOZZLE DIRECTABLY MOUNTED THEREON; CONDUIT MEANSCONNECTING SAID TANKER TIRES TO SAID NOZZLE; AND